The music industry in Nigeria has experienced rise and inspiring tales of triumph. Some of the most popular musicians presently began their journeys in some of the most challenging situations. From small neighborhoods and humble or small beginnings, they transformed their struggles into strength, and their stories are now very inspirational. We celebrate ten Nigerian musicians who started from the trenches and rose to the top.
1. Burna Boy
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, now one of the biggest musicians at the moment. Born in Port Harcourt, Burna Boy’s road to success was not smooth but a thorn full one. Raised in a poor or average family, Burna Boy’s childhood in this southern city introduced him to the realities of the streets. His grandfather managed Fela Kuti, who was the founder of Afrobeat, but that did not necessarily make Burna’s journey an easy one. Instead, he made a smart move by pulling together disparate genres from reggae to dancehall and Afrobeats. Fast-forward to today, he is now a Grammy-winning international superstar with hits like “Ye” and “Anybody.”
2. Wizkid
Also starting from small beginnings, another musical icon is Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, aka Wizkid. A trench raised Lagos boy from Surulere, this boy had to face his own share of challenges. Wizkid started with the stage name Lil Prinz and was part of a music group called “Glorious Five”. His big break came when he signed with Empire Mates Entertainment, E.M.E, in 2009, and from then on, he went ahead to release his first full-lenghty album “Superstar.” From the glittering that currently surrounds him, the Wizkid story is that same tale of grass-to-grace, illustrating how talent and resilience could actually open doors.
3. Olamide
Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Olamide, is a name trending in the streets. Born and raised in the very tough neighborhood of Bariga, Lagos, Olamide’s story to success is a motivation to hard work and determination. His music, which often features Yoruba and English, makes him a relatable figure to many ordinary either educated or not. people-comprising the insistent struggles and aspirations that characterize the life of those from the trenches. Olamide’s popular single, “Eni Duro,” was an anthem for street hustlers, and since then, he has become one of the top artists in Nigeria. Olamide has also played a vital role in bringing other street talents to the limelight through his record label, YBNL Nation.
4. Patoranking
Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, popularly known as Patoranking, is indeed a stranger to the streets-no more. His rise from the trench areas of Ebute Metta in Lagos into the international limelight is nothing but remarkable. Growing up in a slum area, Patoranking’s early life was plagued by poverty and hardship. Starting off on unstable grounds, he had begun his career as a dancer before going into music. The first hit single he did was “Alubarika,” featuring Timaya, which immediately became an hit. the energy from growing up in the ghetto fuel his love for music. To this day, he is celebrated for his unique fusion of reggae, dancehall, and Afrobeats.
5. Phyno
Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, popularly known as Phyno, is a popular figure in the Nigerian music scene. Born into a poor family from Enugu State, the rise to limelight did not come easy for Phyno. He had wished to be a pilot, but his love for music saw him take a different turn. He started his music career as a producer before switching to rapping. He also does a lot of rapping in his native Igbo language, and his songs quite often speak to the frustrations of the average Nigerian. Well-received commercially upon its release, his first album titled “No Guts No Glory” guaranteed him a place among Nigeria’s current leaders in the music industry.
6. Teni
Teniola Apata, known to her fans as Teni, is indeed one of those singers who have risen to become queens in a very short period. Coming from an academic family, Teni’s early life was quite stable, although her career didn’t come with some early struggles. She started her music career in the trenches, performing at local gigs while releasing singles that were barely listened to. Her breakthrough came when she released the song “Faji” showing off her special voice and songwriting skills. Teni’s success is an example standing tall amidst the power of authenticity and being true to oneself.
7. Bella Shmurda
Akinbiyi Abiola Ahmed, also known as Bella Shmurda, is one of those artists from the new school who made it from the trenches. Born into the Ojo area of Lagos, Bella Shmurda had a really tough childhood. He started making music while at Lagos State University LASU. His breakout single “Vision 2020″ indeed was raw and reflecting of such hardships that most Nigerians were facing. Since then, he has continued to rise in the industry, best known for his street anthems and relatable lyrics.
8. Small Doctor
Adekunle Temitope, popularly known as Small Doctor, is a good example of a street musician making it. He was born and raised in the Agege area of Lagos, and his early life was basically defined by poverty and struggles. He worked as a bus conductor, performed at local shows before he gained recognition. His breakout single, “Mosquito Killer,” became a street anthem and brought him to fame. The small doctor’s songs are deeply rooted in the experiences of those from the trenches, and he remains the voice of the common man.
9. Zlatan Ibile
Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, more popularly known as Zlatan Ibile, is another person that have just appealed to the streets. Growing up in the Ikorodu axis of Lagos State, Zlatan’s diversion into the music scene was driven by his love for the art and his resolve to make it big. His breakout single “Zanku” introduced a new dance move that quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Zlatan’s music often reflects the struggle of the streets, and he has continued to be a major force in the Nigerian music industry.
10. Naira Marley
Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, is perhaps one of the most “controversial singer” in Nigerian music today. Naira Marley was born in Agege, Lagos, and had a quite rough childhood. He relocated to Peckham, South London, where life remained hard. His musical career started in the UK and moved to being based in Nigeria. The music of Naira Marley mainly expresses the tough realities of street living, and his following, “Marlians,” revolve round a message of endurance and resistance.
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